7 great reasons to visit Hauser & Wirth in Somerset

This former farmstead is a countryside ode to creativity, combining art, gastronomy and one of the most beautiful meadows you’ll see this summer

A view of Oudolf Field and the buildings at Hauser & Wirth Somerset. Image: Courtesy Hauser & Wirth. Photo: Jason Ingram

Where can you find this branch of Hauser & Wirth?

This beautiful former farm known as Durslade is situated on the fringes of the picturesque town of Bruton in Somerset. It is a 10-minute walk from the station via the community allotments and is also easily accessible by car, with ample parking on site. 

Captured in summer, Oudolf Field at Hauser & Wirth. Image: Courtesy Hauser & Wirth. Photo: Jason Ingram ​

Why should you visit?

This state-of-the art complex features exhibition spaces showing the best in contemporary art from across the globe. It also has permanent installations from artists such as Martin Creed and Henry Moore. There are galleries and a farm shop, an acclaimed bar and grill, a stunning garden and a Grade II listed farmhouse, which is available for holiday bookings. 

Shelf (Mutton Chops) with Unpainted Donkey, 2003, Jason Rhoades. Image: © Jason Rhoades. Photo: Stefan Altenburger Photography

Which exhibits are a must-see?

Check out Gruppenausstellung. This group show (on until 1 January 2024) is a celebration of Hauser & Wirth’s Swiss heritage and family origins, bringing together over 20 artists with the aim of creating a joyful, immersive experience. It is spread across the entire site, including the galleries, outdoor spaces and restaurant. Artists’ works include the late, great sculptor Phyllida Barlow, experimental mixed-media artist Pipilotti Rist, Anri Sala, who works in video, photography and installation, and Jason Rhoades (1965–2006), known for his monumental room-filling installations.

Any particular artistic connections? 

The gallery’s inaugural exhibition in 2014 was a solo show of works by Phyllida Barlow, who created site-specific sculptures that responded directly to the farm buildings’ former dereliction. It was an important moment for the artist, who found great acclaim in later life and went on to represent Britain at the Venice Biennale in 2017. She passed away earlier this year. 

The Radić Pavilion, designed by Smiljan Radić, 2014, in Oudolf Field, Hauser & Wirth Somerset. Image: Courtesy Hauser & Wirth. Photo: Jason Ingram​

What’s on soon?

On 12 August you can enjoy a matinee performance of the Bristol Old Vic Youth Theatre Summer School, following the participants’ two-week course. The show will take place in the futuristic Radić Pavilion, designed by Chilean architect Smiljan Radić. It is installed within the stunning meadow designed by landscape architect Piet Oudolf.

The 16th-century Dovecot above Oudolf Field, Hauser & Wirth Somerset. Image: Courtesy Hauser & Wirth. Photo: Jason Ingram ​

Make a day of it!

After enjoying the sites at Durslade and sampling food and drink at the Roth Bar & Grill, head into Bruton, where even more artistic delights await at the gallery’s craft shop, Make. It sits on the high street and features beautiful crafts from over 80 artists. For even more art, head to the newly opened Bo Lee and Workman gallery, housed in a converted Methodist chapel just down the road. For the heritage minded, be sure to take a stroll to the Bruton Dovecote, a 16th-century watchtower, seen top right in the image above. It has beautiful views over the surrounding countryside. 

Here’s a fun fact…

The Roth Bar is a major feature of the Roth Bar & Grill, which focuses on locally sourced produce. It was created by artists Björn and Oddur Roth. They are the son and grandson of influential Swiss artist Dieter Roth (1930–98), who blazed a trail in the post-war period with his assemblages, prints and sculptures.

Find out more at hauserwirth.com

Going local 

Do you live close by – then why not join the local Arts Society?

Local Societies include:

The Arts Society Mid Somerset: theartssocietymidsomerset.org.uk

The Arts Society Blackmore Vale: theartssocietyblackmorevale.org.uk

The Arts Society Sherborne: theartssocietysherborne.org

Upcoming events include 160 years of the London Underground Design and Architecture on 6 September, organised by The Arts Society Sherborne and presented by Arts Society Lecturer Mark Ovenden.